Commissioners Information Bulletin 281
Issued: 13 April 2006

Community Services - Approval of an amended Vocational Training Order for the recognised traineeship vocation of Community Services

At the request of the NSW Community Services and Health Industry Training Advisory Body (ITAB), the Commissioner for Vocational Training has approved the variation to the existing Vocational Training Order (VTO) for the recognised traineeship vocation of Community Services, under section 6 of the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act, 2001.

The current VTO highlights a number of Certificates II, III and IV from the Community Services Training Package CHC02 which was endorsed by the National Training Quality Council in December 2002.

The amended VTO highlights an additional qualification, Certificate IV in Community Services Advocacy CHC41202, from Community Services Training Package CHC02.

Vocational Training Order Standard Format

The VTO in each instance may make reference to:

1. the appropriate term or terms for apprenticeship or traineeships in that vocation
2. the appropriate probationary period or periods for apprenticeships or traineeships in that vocation, having regard to the term or terms specified for them under paragraph (a)
3. the appropriate qualification or qualifications that may be awarded in relation to an apprenticeship or traineeship in that vocation
4. any other training to be provided in addition to the training required for an appropriate qualification
5. such other matters relating to the training of apprentices or trainees in that vocation as the Commissioner considers appropriate.

A copy of the VTO supporting the recognised traineeship vocation of Community Services is at Attachment A.

New Qualification

The amended VTO will incorporate the Certificate IV in Community Services Advocacy CHC41202.

For the qualification structure, refer to Attachment B.

Industrial arrangements

Community Services traineeship provisions exist in the following instruments:

Aged Care General Services (State) Award
Miscellaneous Workers – Kindergartens & Child Care Centres (State) Award
National Training Wage Award 2000
Private Hospital Employees (State) Award
Private Hospital , Aged Care and Disability Services (Training) (State) Award
Social and Community Services Employee (State) Award
Miscellaneous Workers Independent Schools and Colleges (State) Award

Award arrangements in the non-government community services industry sector vary and include many enterprise agreements. Relevant awards will be included as identified by employers.

Note - Applications under the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001 to establish any traineeship or apprenticeship will not be approved unless the Commissioner is satisfied that appropriate industrial arrangements are in place.

VET in Schools

Only the Certificate II in Community Services Support Work CHC20102 has been identified by industry as appropriate for delivery under VET in Schools.

Note - The Certificate III in Aged Care Work CHC30102 is now available for delivery in schools, effective as at May 2006.

Part-time Traineeships

Award arrangements for part-time employment and training exist for some qualifications.

Learning resources and assessment materials

Some Community Services Training Package CHC02 qualifications have support material and resources available to enterprises, trainers and learners. Information regarding products and their availability can be accessed through http://www.skillsonline.net.au

Enterprise based training and assessment resources for this qualification are being developed in NSW. Some RTOs have developed their own resources to support training and assessment.

NSW Community Service & Health ITAB will assist RTOs in identifying training support needs. The ITAB will prioritise needs according to training market demands to seek suitable funding for development of support materials.

Licensing

There are currently no licensing requirements within the Community Services industry in NSW.

Availability of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)

The National Training Information Service website www.ntis.gov.au identifies three RTOs in NSW registered to deliver qualifications from the Community Services Training Package CHC02.

For any enquiries regarding this CIB, please contact the Vocational Training Tribunal Unit on (02) 9266 8579.

IAN KINGSLEY
Commissioner for Vocational Training